Fans of houndstooth will be happy to know that now their backsplash can wear it too. As couture continues to creep more deeply into interior design, the latest interpretation can be found in Fireclay Tile's new Runway Collection, a collaboration between the San Jose company and eco-minded interior designer and HGTV regular Kelly LaPlante.

Designs include Corset, inspired by lace-up garments; Chaine Femme and Chaine Homme, which call to mind interlocking chains in jewelry; and Cravat, a take on the classic houndstooth pattern. Prices are $30 to $80 per square foot.

Combinations come in up to three glaze colors from Fireclay's palette of 224 hues. The lead-free ceramic glazes are applied to either the Debris Series Recycled Tile or Vitrail Series Handmade tile clay bodies.

"We took the inspiration directly from the runway," says LaPlante. "People are going for bolder designs, especially in backsplashes and powder rooms."

For those whose tastes are more subdued, LaPlante recommends one color or a tone-on-tone palette. "Not everyone is going to want something that screams off the wall. This adds a little visual interest," she says.

The company is putting out a call for design-challenged backsplashes for its Project Backsplash contest. The winner will receive $5,000 in tile and $1,000 toward installation services and a design consultation from LaPlante. Entries are due by Nov. 16. Visitors to Fireclay's web site can cast their votes from Nov. 20 to Dec. 15.

For local retailers and contest details, go to fireclay.com. See the collection at Fireclay Factory Showroom, 495 W. Julian St., San Jose; (408) 275-1182.